Phase I study on bruceantin administered on a weekly schedule.

Fifteen adult patients with advanced solid tumors received bruceantin at doses of 1.6-6.0 mg/m2 iv for 30 minutes/week X 4, followed by a 2-week rest. The dose-limiting toxic effect was nausea and vomiting, which was more severe in patients with hepatic metastases or liver function abnormalities. Other sporadic toxic effects included fever, chills, malaise, alopecia, hypotension, thrombocytosis, and leukocytosis. Hematologic toxicity was insignificant. The recommended starting dose for phase II studies is 5 mg/m2/week X 4, every 6 weeks, with a reduction to 3 mg/m2 for patients with hepatic metastases.